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Setiawan E, Cassidy-Seyoum SA, Thriemer K, Carvalho N, Devine A. A Systematic Review of Methods for Estimating Productivity Losses due to Illness or Caregiving in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2024; 42:865-877. [PMID: 38874846 PMCID: PMC11249595 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-024-01402-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Productivity losses are often included in costing studies and economic evaluations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the economic burden of disease. Global guidance on estimating productivity losses is sparse, especially for low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) where informal and unpaid work remains dominant. This study aims to describe current practices for valuing productivity losses in LMICs. METHODS We performed a systematic review of studies published before April 2022 using three databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science Core Collection. We included any costing or economic evaluation study conducted in a LMIC that provided methodological details on how the monetary value for productivity losses was estimated. Two reviewers independently screened articles for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the quality of the studies. RESULTS A total of 281 articles were included. While most studies did not specify the overall approach used to measure and value productivity losses (58%), the human capital approach was the most frequently used approach to measure productivity losses when this was clearly stated (39%). The most common methods to estimate a monetary value for productivity losses were market wages (51%), self-reported wages (28%) and macroeconomic measures (15%). CONCLUSION Reporting standards for productivity losses in LMIC settings have room for improvement. While market wages were the most frequently used method to estimate the monetary value of productivity losses, this relies on context-specific data availability. Until a consensus is reached on if, when and how to include productivity losses in costing and economic evaluation studies, future studies could include a sensitivity analysis to explore the impact of different methods for estimating the monetary value of productivity losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ery Setiawan
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Sarah A Cassidy-Seyoum
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Kamala Thriemer
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Natalie Carvalho
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Angela Devine
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia.
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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Whittal A, Ehringfeld I, Steinhoff P, Herber OR. Determining Contextual Factors for a Heart Failure Self-Care Intervention: A Consensus Delphi Study (ACHIEVE). HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2024; 51:311-320. [PMID: 34605710 PMCID: PMC10981183 DOI: 10.1177/10901981211043116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a rising recognition of the crucial role self-care plays in managing heart failure (HF). Yet patients often have difficulties implementing ongoing self-care recommendations into their daily lives. There is also recognition of the importance of theory for successful intervention design, and understanding of key factors for implementation so interventions fit a given context. Local key stakeholders can provide valuable insights to help understand relevant context-specific factors for intervention implementation. This study sought to engage stakeholders to explore and determine relevant contextual factors needed to design and facilitate successful implementation of an HF self-care intervention in the German health care system. A ranking-type Delphi approach was used to establish consensus from stakeholders (i.e., clinicians, patients, policymakers/potential funders) regarding eight factors (content, interventionist, target group, location, mode of delivery, intensity, duration, and format) to adequately define the components and implementation strategy of the intervention. Seventeen participants were invited to participate in the first Delphi round. A response rate of 94% (16/17) was achieved and maintained for all three Delphi rounds. Stakeholder consensus determined that nurses specializing in HF are the most appropriate interventionists, target groups should include patients and carers, and the intervention should occur in an outpatient HF clinic, be a mixture of group and individual training sessions, and last for 30 minutes. Sessions should take place more frequently in the beginning and less often over time. Local stakeholders can help determine contextual factors that must be taken into account for successful delivery of an intervention. This enables the intervention to be developed and applied based on these factors, to make it suitable for the target context and to enhance participation to achieve the desired outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Whittal
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | | | | | - Oliver Rudolf Herber
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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Epstein N, Simon-Tuval T, Berchenko Y. Context-Specific Estimation of Future Unrelated Medical Costs and Their Impact on Cost-Effectiveness Analyses. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2023; 41:1275-1286. [PMID: 37329391 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-023-01290-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study constructed and applied procedures for the estimation of unrelated future medical costs (UFMC) of women with breast cancer in Israel (as a case study) and examined the influence of including UFMC in cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs). METHODS Part I consisted of a retrospective cohort study based on patient-level claims data of both patients with breast cancer and matched controls during 14 years of follow-up. UFMC were estimated as (a) the annual average all-cause healthcare costs of the control subjects, and (b) as predicted values based on a generalized linear model (GLM) adjusted to patients' characteristics. Part II consisted of a CEA performed using a Markov simulation model comparing regimens of chemotherapy with/without trastuzumab, both excluding and including UFMC and for each of the UFMC estimates separately. All costs were adjusted to 2019 prices. Costs and QALYs were discounted at a yearly rate of 3%. RESULTS The average annual healthcare costs in the control group were $2328 (± $5662). The corresponding incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was $53,411/QALY and $55,903/QALY, when UFMC were excluded or included, respectively. Hence, trastuzumab was not considered cost-effective compared with a threshold of willingness-to-pay of $37,000 per QALY, regardless of the inclusion of UFMC. When UFMC were estimated on the basis of the prediction model, the ICERs were $37,968/QALY and $39,033/QALY, when UFMC were excluded or included, respectively. Thus, in this simulation, trastuzumab was not considered cost-effective, independent of the inclusion of UFMC. CONCLUSION Our case study revealed that the inclusion of UFMC had modest effect on the ICERs, and thus did not alter the conclusion. Thus, we should estimate context-specific UFMC if they are expected to change the ICERs significantly, and transparently report the corresponding assumptions to uphold the integrity and reliability of the economic evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noga Epstein
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tzahit Simon-Tuval
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O Box 653, 8410501, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
| | - Yakir Berchenko
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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Hinck P, Gutierrez-Colosía M, Duval C, König HH, Simon J, Fischer C, Mayer S, Salvador-Carulla L, Brodszky V, Roijen LHV, Evers S, Park AL, Hollingworth W, Konnopka A. The identification of economically relevant health and social care services for mental disorders in the PECUNIA project. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1045. [PMID: 37775752 PMCID: PMC10542258 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09944-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health economic research is still facing significant problems regarding the standardization and international comparability of health care services. As a result, comparative effectiveness studies and cost-effectiveness analyses are often not comparable. This study is part of the PECUNIA project, which aimed to improve the comparability of economic evaluations by developing instruments for the internationally standardized measurement and valuation of health care services for mental disorders. The aim of this study was to identify internationally relevant services in the health and social care sectors relevant for health economic studies for mental disorders. METHODS A systematic literature review on cost-of-illness studies and economic evaluations was conducted to identify relevant services, complemented by an additional grey literature search and a search of resource use measurement (RUM) questionnaires. A preliminary long-list of identified services was explored and reduced to a short-list by multiple consolidation rounds within the international research team and an external international expert survey in six European countries. RESULTS After duplicate removal, the systematic search yielded 15,218 hits. From these 295 potential services could be identified. The grey literature search led to 368 and the RUM search to 36 additional potential services. The consolidation process resulted in a preliminary list of 186 health and social care services which underwent an external expert survey. A final consolidation step led to a basic list of 56 services grouped into residential care, daycare, outpatient care, information for care, accessibility to care, and self-help and voluntary care. CONCLUSIONS The initial literature searches led to an extensive number of potential service items for health and social care. Many of these items turned out to be procedures, interventions or providing professionals rather than services and were removed from further analysis. The resulting list was used as a basis for typological coding, the development of RUM questionnaires and corresponding unit costs for international mental health economic studies in the PECUNIA project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Hinck
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistr. 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mencia Gutierrez-Colosía
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Seville, Spain
- Scientific Association PSICOST, Seville, Spain
| | - Christine Duval
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistr. 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistr. 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Judit Simon
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna (MUW), Vienna, Austria
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Claudia Fischer
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna (MUW), Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Mayer
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna (MUW), Vienna, Austria
| | - Luis Salvador-Carulla
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy. School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Valentin Brodszky
- Department of Health Economics, Corvinus University of Budapest (CUB), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Leona Hakkaart-van Roijen
- Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, PO Box 1738, 3000, Rotterdam, DR, Netherlands
- Health Technology Assessment, Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, PO Box 1738, 3000, Rotterdam, DR, Netherlands
| | - Silvia Evers
- Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Trimbos, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Da Costakade 45, 3521 VS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A-La Park
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre (CPEC), Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), London, UK
| | - William Hollingworth
- Health Economics Bristol, Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School (UnivBris), Bristol, UK
| | - Alexander Konnopka
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistr. 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.
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Garfield K, Thorn JC, Noble S, Husbands S, Hollingworth W. Development of a brief, generic, modular resource-use measure (ModRUM): piloting with patients. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:994. [PMID: 37710265 PMCID: PMC10503201 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bespoke self-report resource-use measures (RUMs) are commonly developed or adapted for each new randomised controlled trial. Consequently, RUMs lack standardisation and validation is rarely conducted. A new generic RUM, ModRUM, has been developed using a rigorous process, including consultation with health economists and patients. ModRUM includes a concise core healthcare module, designed to be included in all trials, and depth-adding questions, which can replace or be added to core questions as needed. Modules covering other sectors are under development. The aim of this study was to test the acceptability, feasibility, and criterion and construct validity of the healthcare module of ModRUM. METHODS Patients who had a recent appointment at their GP practice were invited to complete ModRUM (core module or core module with depth questions), a characteristics form and the EQ-5D-5L. Acceptability was assessed via response rates and questionnaire completion time. Feasibility was assessed by reviewing issues observed in participants' responses and question completion rates. Construct validity was tested via hypothesis testing and known-group analyses, using Wilcoxon rank-sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and a generalised linear model. Criterion validity was tested by comparing ModRUM results with primary care medical records. Sensitivity, specificity, and agreement using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (pc) were estimated. RESULTS One hundred patients participated from five GP practices in the South-West of England. Acceptability was higher for the core module (20% versus 10% response rate). Question completion rates were high across both versions (> 90%). Some support was observed for construct validity, with results suggesting that healthcare costs differ dependent on the number of long-term conditions (p < 0.05) and are negatively associated with health-related quality of life (p < 0.01). Sensitivity was high for all questions (> 0.83), while specificity varied (0.33-0.88). There was a good level of agreement for GP contacts and costs, and prescribed medication costs (pc > 0.6). CONCLUSION This study provided preliminary evidence of the acceptability, feasibility, and criterion and construct validity of ModRUM. Further testing is required within trials and with groups that were less well represented in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty Garfield
- Health Economics Bristol, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whitladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU, UK.
- Bristol Trials Centre, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU, UK.
| | - Joanna C Thorn
- Health Economics Bristol, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whitladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU, UK
- Bristol Trials Centre, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU, UK
| | - Sian Noble
- Health Economics Bristol, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whitladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU, UK
- Bristol Trials Centre, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU, UK
| | - Samantha Husbands
- Health Economics Bristol, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whitladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU, UK
- Bristol Trials Centre, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU, UK
| | - Will Hollingworth
- Health Economics Bristol, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whitladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU, UK
- Bristol Trials Centre, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU, UK
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Koń B, Jakubczyk M. Measuring the Indirect Cost of Illness Using EQ-5D-5L While Accounting for Job Characteristics. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2023; 41:1051-1064. [PMID: 37148531 PMCID: PMC10163582 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-023-01267-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire is used to measure treatment effects on the quality of life. For cost-utility analyses, EQ-5D-5L profiles are assigned numbers representing societal preferences (index weights). On the cost side, the indirect costs are frequently included: the value of product lost due to illness-related absences (absenteeism) or diminished productivity (presenteeism). The possibility to use EQ-5D data to estimate absenteeism and presenteeism (A&P) would be useful, if real-world data on A&P are lacking. However, beyond-health factors may also matter for A&P. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess how A&P depend on the EQ-5D-5L profile, while accounting for job characteristics (e.g. remote or in-office). METHODS We surveyed 756 employed Poles. Respondents reported their job characteristics and evaluated the impact of eight hypothetical EQ-5D-5L profiles on A&P (two blocks of states used). Econometric modelling was used to establish the determinants of A&P. RESULTS Both A&P increase with health problems as indicated across EQ-5D-5L dimensions (especially mobility and self-care), and this impact differs from the impact on index weight (e.g. pain/discomfort barely impact the A&P). The job characteristics mattered: absenteeism decreases in sedentary occupations and increases in those occupations performed remotely or requiring cooperation, while presenteeism increases in jobs performed remotely and decreases for those requiring creative thinking. CONCLUSIONS The entire EQ-5D-5L profile, not just index weights, should be used to estimate A&P. That job characteristics matter may be relevant in applications, as some diseases concentrate in specific subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Koń
- Decision Analysis and Support Unit, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Michał Jakubczyk
- Decision Analysis and Support Unit, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw, Poland
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Huynh KA, Coopmans EC, Zamanipoor Najafabadi AH, Dirven L, Peerdeman SM, Biermasz NR, Verstegen MJT, van Furth WR, Klein M, Koekkoek J, Lagerwaard F, van der Meer PB, Taphoorn MJB, Moojen WA, Reijneveld JC. Healthcare utilization and costs among intracranial meningioma patients during long-term follow-up. J Neurooncol 2023; 161:357-370. [PMID: 36626042 PMCID: PMC9988802 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-022-04223-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Few studies have reported on healthcare utilization and costs for intracranial meningioma patients, while the tumor and its treatment profoundly affect patients' functioning and well-being. Here we evaluated healthcare utilization and costs, including their determinants. METHODS A multicenter cross-sectional study of adult meningioma patients ≥ 5 years after intervention. Patients completed three validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) assessing patients 'functioning and wellbeing (SF-36, EORTC QLQ-BN20, and HADS) and a study-specific questionnaire assessing healthcare utilization over the previous twelve months. Healthcare costs of the twelve months prior were calculated using reported healthcare utilization ≥ 5 years after intervention by the Dutch Manual for Economic Evaluation in Healthcare. Determinants for healthcare utilization and costs were determined with regression analyses. RESULTS We included 190 patients with WHO grade I or II meningioma after a mean follow-up since intervention of 9.2 years (SD 4.0). The general practitioner (80.5%), physiotherapist (37.9%), and neurologist (25.4%) were visited most often by patients. Median annual healthcare costs were €871 (IQR €262-€1933). Main contributors to these costs were medication (45.8% of total costs, of which anti-seizure medication was utilized most [21.6%]), specialist care (17.7%), and physiotherapy (15.5%). Lower HRQoL was a significant determinant for higher healthcare utilization and costs. CONCLUSION In patients with meningioma, medication costs constituted the largest expenditure of total healthcare costs, in particular anti-seizure medication. Particularly a lower HRQoL was a determinant for healthcare utilization and costs. A patient-specific approach aimed at improving patients' HRQoL and needs could be beneficial in reducing disease burden and functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Huynh
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Center for Endocrine Tumors Leiden (CETL), Center for Pituitary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Neurosurgical Center Holland, Haaglanden Medical Center, and the Hague Teaching Hospitals, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eva C Coopmans
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,Center for Endocrine Tumors Leiden (CETL), Center for Pituitary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,Department of Neurosurgery, University Neurosurgical Center Holland, Haaglanden Medical Center, and the Hague Teaching Hospitals, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Amir H Zamanipoor Najafabadi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Neurosurgical Center Holland, Haaglanden Medical Center, and the Hague Teaching Hospitals, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Dirven
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia M Peerdeman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke R Biermasz
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Center for Endocrine Tumors Leiden (CETL), Center for Pituitary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marco J T Verstegen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Neurosurgical Center Holland, Haaglanden Medical Center, and the Hague Teaching Hospitals, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter R van Furth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Neurosurgical Center Holland, Haaglanden Medical Center, and the Hague Teaching Hospitals, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Magnitude of terminological bias in international health services research: a disambiguation analysis in mental health. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2022; 31:e59. [PMID: 35993182 PMCID: PMC9428902 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796022000403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Health services research (HSR) is affected by a widespread problem related to service terminology including non-commensurability (using different units of analysis for comparisons) and terminological unclarity due to ambiguity and vagueness of terms. The aim of this study was to identify the magnitude of the terminological bias in health and social services research and health economics by applying an international classification system. METHODS This study, that was part of the PECUNIA project, followed an ontoterminology approach (disambiguation of technical and scientific terms using a taxonomy and a glossary of terms). A listing of 56 types of health and social services relevant for mental health was compiled from a systematic review of the literature and feedback provided by 29 experts in six European countries. The disambiguation of terms was performed using an ontology-based classification of services (Description and Evaluation of Services and DirectoriEs - DESDE), and its glossary of terms. The analysis focused on the commensurability and the clarity of definitions according to the reference classification system. Interrater reliability was analysed using κ. RESULTS The disambiguation revealed that only 13 terms (23%) of the 56 services selected were accurate. Six terms (11%) were confusing as they did not correspond to services as defined in the reference classification system (non-commensurability bias), 27 (48%) did not include a clear definition of the target population for which the service was intended, and the definition of types of services was unclear in 59% of the terms: 15 were ambiguous and 11 vague. The κ analyses were significant for agreements in unit of analysis and assignment of DESDE codes and very high in definition of target population. CONCLUSIONS Service terminology is a source of systematic bias in health service research, and certainly in mental healthcare. The magnitude of the problem is substantial. This finding has major implications for the international comparability of resource use in health economics, quality and equality research. The approach presented in this paper contributes to minimise differentiation between services by taking into account key features such as target population, care setting, main activities and type and number of professionals among others. This approach also contributes to support financial incentives for effective health promotion and disease prevention. A detailed analysis of services in terms of cost measurement for economic evaluations reveals the necessity and usefulness of defining services using a coding system and taxonomical criteria rather than by 'text-based descriptions'.
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Fischer C, Mayer S, Perić N, Simon J. Harmonization issues in unit costing of service use for multi-country, multi-sectoral health economic evaluations: a scoping review. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2022; 12:42. [PMID: 35920934 PMCID: PMC9347135 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-022-00390-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Valuation is a critical part of the costing process in health economic evaluations. However, an overview of specific issues relevant to the European context on harmonizing methodological requirements for the valuation of costs to be used in health economic evaluation is lacking. We aimed to inform the development of an international, harmonized and multi-sectoral costing framework, as sought in the European PECUNIA (ProgrammE in Costing, resource use measurement and outcome valuation for Use in multi-sectoral National and International health economic evaluAtions) project. METHODS We conducted a scoping review (information extraction 2008-2021) to a) to demonstrate the degree of heterogeneity that currently exists in the literature regarding central terminology, b) to generate an overview of the most relevant areas for harmonization in multi-sectoral and multi-national costing processes for health economic evaluations, and c) to provide insights into country level variation regarding economic evaluation guidance. A complex search strategy was applied covering key publications on costing methods, glossaries, and international costing recommendations augmented by a targeted author and reference search as well as snowballing. Six European countries served as case studies to describe country-specific harmonization issues. Identified information was qualitatively synthesized and cross-checked using a newly developed, pilot-tested data extraction form. RESULTS Costing methods for services were found to be heterogeneous between sectors and country guidelines and may, in practice, be often driven by data availability and reimbursement systems in place. The lack of detailed guidance regarding specific costing methods, recommended data sources, double-counting of costs between sectors, adjustment of unit costs for inflation, transparent handling of overhead costs as well as the unavailability of standardized unit costing estimates in most countries were identified as main drivers of country specific differences in costing methods with a major impact on valuation and cost-effectiveness evidence. CONCLUSION This review provides a basic summary of existing costing practices for evaluative purposes across sectors and countries and highlights several common methodological factors influencing divergence in cost valuation methods that would need to be systematically incorporated and addressed in future costing practices to achieve more comparable, harmonized health economic evaluation evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Fischer
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15/1, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Mayer
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15/1, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Nataša Perić
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15/1, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judit Simon
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15/1, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK
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García-Mochón L, Špacírová Z, Espín J. Costing methodologies in European economic evaluation guidelines: commonalities and divergences. THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS : HEPAC : HEALTH ECONOMICS IN PREVENTION AND CARE 2022; 23:979-991. [PMID: 34825296 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-021-01414-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
From both the methodological point of view and standardization of methodology, little attention has been paid to the estimation of direct costs in evaluation of healthcare technologies. The objective is to revise the recommendations on direct costs provided in European economic evaluation guidelines and to identify the commonalities and divergences among them. To achieve this, a comprehensive search through several online databases was performed resulting in 41 documents from 26 European countries, be they economic evaluation guidelines or costing guidelines. The results show a large disparity in methodologies used in estimation of direct costs to be included in economic evaluations of health technologies recommended by European countries. A lack of standardization of cost estimation methodologies influences arbitrariness in selecting costs of resources included in economic evaluations of medicinal products or any other technologies and, therefore, in decision making process necessary to introduce new technology. In addition, this heterogeneity poses a major challenge for identifying factors that could affect the variability of unit costs across countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia García-Mochón
- Andalusian School of Public Health/Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs, Granada, Spain
- CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain/CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Zuzana Špacírová
- Andalusian School of Public Health/Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs, Granada, Spain.
- CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain/CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jaime Espín
- Andalusian School of Public Health/Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs, Granada, Spain
- CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain/CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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11
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Schriefer D, Haase R, Ness NH, Ziemssen T. Cost of illness in multiple sclerosis by disease characteristics - A review of reviews. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2021; 22:177-195. [PMID: 34582300 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2022.1987218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: In light of the increasing number of economic burden studies and heterogeneity in methodology and reporting standards, there is a need for robust evidence synthesis on an umbrella review level.Areas covered: We performed the first review of reviews of cost-of-illness studies in multiple sclerosis. Focusing on disaggregated costs by disease characteristics (disability level, relapse, disease course), we also characterized the underlying methodological evidence base of individual (primary) studies.Expert Commentary: We identified 17 reviews encompassing 111 unique primary studies, and a high degree of overlap across reviews. Costs were substantial, rising with disability level, relapse episodes, and disease progression. Disability was the key cost driver. Compared to mild disability, total costs for moderate disability were 1.4-2.3-fold higher and 1.8-2.9-fold higher for severe disability. With escalating disability, the share of costs outside the health system (indirect costs, informal care) increasingly outweighed the share of direct medical costs. Of all 111 primary studies, 72% gathered resource use/loss data by patient self-report. Associated costs were mostly reported by disability level (75%), followed by relapse (48%) and disease course (21%). In conclusion, although heterogeneity can make in-depth comparisons of costs across studies impossible, important patterns are broadly apparent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Schriefer
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rocco Haase
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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12
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Jiang S, Wang Y, Zhou J, Jiang Y, Liu GGE, Wu J. Incorporating future unrelated medical costs in cost-effectiveness analysis in China. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e006655. [PMID: 34702751 PMCID: PMC8549663 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of future unrelated medical costs is a direct consequence of life-prolonging interventions, but most pharmacoeconomic guidelines recommend the exclusion of these costs. The Chinese guidelines were updated in 2020, taking an exclusion approach for the future unrelated medical cost. We notice the research surrounding this issue continues in other countries and leads to an inclusion recommendation in some guidelines. Meanwhile, this issue has not been discussed in China, reflecting an urgent need for extensive research on its impact. We reviewed the theoretical and practical studies surrounding the inclusion of future unrelated medical costs, summarised the landscape of guidelines in other jurisdictions. We found that the inclusion would increase the internal and external consistency of economic evaluation and the comparability of results between different jurisdictions. However, more research is needed surrounding this issue. We proposed a future research agenda to inform the update of Chinese guidelines. We recommend research on individual-level healthcare reimbursement data and end-of-life costs from hospital administrative data to generate the age-specific, sex-specific and condition-specific costs. We also recommend establishing a formal process to evaluate the ethical and economic impact of including future unrelated medical costs and adjust the threshold accordingly in the guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Jiang
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yitong Wang
- Public Health Department, Aix-Marseille-University, Marseille, France
| | - Junwen Zhou
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yawen Jiang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Jing Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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13
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Aspvall K, Sampaio F, Lenhard F, Melin K, Norlin L, Serlachius E, Mataix-Cols D, Andersson E. Cost-effectiveness of Internet-Delivered vs In-Person Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children and Adolescents With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2118516. [PMID: 34328501 PMCID: PMC8325072 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.18516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Therapist-guided, internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment option for children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder, but to our knowledge, its cost-effectiveness compared with traditional in-person treatment has not been established. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy implemented within a stepped-care model compared with in-person cognitive behavioral therapy for young people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This economic evaluation of a randomized noninferiority trial conducted at 2 specialist obsessive-compulsive disorder clinics in Sweden enrolled 152 children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 years with obsessive-compulsive disorder, mainly through clinician referrals (110 [72%]). Recruitment began October 6, 2017, and ended May 24, 2019. Follow-up ended April 14, 2020. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomly assigned to receive either guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy or in-person cognitive behavioral therapy during a 16-week period. At the 3-month follow-up, nonresponders in both groups were offered additional in-person cognitive behavior therapy sessions. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Health outcomes were treatment response rates (primary outcome), remission rates, and quality-adjusted life-years. Cost data were collected before treatment, after treatment, at 3-month follow-up, and at 6-month follow-up (primary end point) and are presented in 2020 US dollars. The differences in incremental costs and health outcomes were compared between the groups and presented from the health care professional, health care sector, and societal perspectives. RESULTS A total of 152 participants (94 girls [62%]; mean [SD] age, 13.4 [2.5] years) were randomized; 151 (99%) completed the trial. At the 6-month follow-up, 50 of 74 participants (68%) in the stepped-care group and 52 of 77 participants (68%) in the in-person cognitive behavioral therapy group were classified as treatment responders (odds ratio, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.51-1.98]; P = .99). Health economic analyses showed that the stepped-care group used fewer therapist resources than the in-person cognitive behavioral therapy group, resulting in a mean cost savings of $2104 (95% CI, $1202-$3006) per participant for the full study period of 10 months, corresponding to a relative savings of 39%. The cost savings remained largely comparable when taking wider health care sector and societal perspectives. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study suggests that, for young people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, a low-cost digital intervention followed by in-person treatment for nonresponders was cost-effective compared with in-person cognitive behavior therapy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Aspvall
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
- Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filipa Sampaio
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fabian Lenhard
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Karin Melin
- Institute Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lisa Norlin
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eva Serlachius
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
- Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Mataix-Cols
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
- Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Andersson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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van Lier LI, van der Roest HG, Garms-Homolová V, Onder G, Jónsson PV, Declercq A, Hertogh CM, van Hout HP, Bosmans JE. Benchmarking European Home Care Models for Older Persons on Societal Costs: The IBenC Study. Health Serv Insights 2021; 14:11786329211022441. [PMID: 34220202 PMCID: PMC8221691 DOI: 10.1177/11786329211022441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to benchmark mean societal costs per client in different home care models and to describe characteristics of home care models with the lowest societal costs. In this prospective longitudinal study in 6 European countries, 6-month societal costs of resource utilization of 2060 older home care clients were estimated. Three care models were identified and compared based on level of patient-centered care (PCC), availability of specialized professionals (ASP) and level of monitoring of care performance (MCP). Differences in costs between care models were analyzed using linear regression while adjusting for case mix differences. Societal costs incurred in care model 2 (low ASP; high PCC & MCP) were significantly higher than in care model 1 (high ASP, PCC & MCP, mean difference €2230 (10%)) and in care model 3 (low ASP & PCC; high MCP, mean difference €2552 (12%)). Organizations within both models with the lowest societal costs, systematically monitor their care performance. However, organizations within one model arranged their care with a low focus on patient-centered care, and employed mainly generalist care professionals, while organizations in the other model arranged their care delivery with a strong focus on patient-centered care combined with a high availability of specialized care professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne I van Lier
- Departments of General Practice & Medicine of Older Persons, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henriëtte G van der Roest
- Departments of General Practice & Medicine of Older Persons, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department on Aging, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Vjenka Garms-Homolová
- Department III, Economy and Law, Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin, University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany
| | - Graziano Onder
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-metabolic Diseases and Aging Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Pálmi V Jónsson
- Department of Geriatrics, Landspitali University Hospital, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Anja Declercq
- LUCAS, Centre for Care Research and Consultancy, and CESO, Center for Sociological Research, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cees Mpm Hertogh
- Departments of General Practice & Medicine of Older Persons, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hein Pj van Hout
- Departments of General Practice & Medicine of Older Persons, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Judith E Bosmans
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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15
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The statistical approach in trial-based economic evaluations matters: get your statistics together! BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:475. [PMID: 34011337 PMCID: PMC8135982 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06513-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Baseline imbalances, skewed costs, the correlation between costs and effects, and missing data are statistical challenges that are often not adequately accounted for in the analysis of cost-effectiveness data. This study aims to illustrate the impact of accounting for these statistical challenges in trial-based economic evaluations. Methods Data from two trial-based economic evaluations, the REALISE and HypoAware studies, were used. In total, 14 full cost-effectiveness analyses were performed per study, in which the four statistical challenges in trial-based economic evaluations were taken into account step-by-step. Statistical approaches were compared in terms of the resulting cost and effect differences, ICERs, and probabilities of cost-effectiveness. Results In the REALISE study and HypoAware study, the ICER ranged from 636,744€/QALY and 90,989€/QALY when ignoring all statistical challenges to − 7502€/QALY and 46,592€/QALY when accounting for all statistical challenges, respectively. The probabilities of the intervention being cost-effective at 0€/ QALY gained were 0.67 and 0.59 when ignoring all statistical challenges, and 0.54 and 0.27 when all of the statistical challenges were taken into account for the REALISE study and HypoAware study, respectively. Conclusions Not accounting for baseline imbalances, skewed costs, correlated costs and effects, and missing data in trial-based economic evaluations may notably impact results. Therefore, when conducting trial-based economic evaluations, it is important to align the statistical approach with the identified statistical challenges in cost-effectiveness data. To facilitate researchers in handling statistical challenges in trial-based economic evaluations, software code is provided. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06513-1.
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16
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Ness NH, Schriefer D, Haase R, Ziemssen T. [The Multiple Sclerosis Health Resource Utilization Survey]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2021; 90:42-48. [PMID: 34005824 DOI: 10.1055/a-1471-3636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In health economic studies, valid and reliable cost data are essential to reach meaningful conclusions. In the case of multiple sclerosis (MS), such studies are often based on primary data for which the underlying survey instruments have not been published. In addition, heterogeneous methods make the comparability and interpretation of such study results difficult. To standardize health economic studies in MS, the Multiple Sclerosis Health Resource Utilization Survey (MS-HRS) was developed, validated and published in a freely accessible format. RESEARCH QUESTION This review focuses on the MS-HRS. We report on the methodological background of studies on the assessment of cost of illness as well as MS-HRS-based results on the costs of disease dynamics in people with MS. METHODS This article is based on a selective literature review on the MS-HRS as well as on health economic aspects of cost assessment. RESULTS The MS-HRS provides a holistic assessment of direct medical, direct non-medical and indirect resource utilization. Within indirect costs, we considered absenteeism, either short term (sick leave) or long term (disability pension), but also presenteeism, which refers to impaired performance during work. Resources were valued at the societal opportunity cost or the best possible approximation. First analyses based on MS-HRS showed that, in addition to inpatient disease severity and clinical course, disease dynamics in form of relapses and progression have enormous socioeconomic implications. CONCLUSION Valid cost data bring transparency to the economic consequences of diseases. In addition to clinical data, cost data can be used to determine cost-effectiveness and thus reveal opportunities for more efficient patient care. For the case of MS, a freely accessible tool is available for cost assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dirk Schriefer
- MS Center, Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Deutschland
| | - Rocco Haase
- MS Center, Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Deutschland
| | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- MS Center, Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Deutschland
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17
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Kamaraj A, Agarwal N, Seah KTM, Khan W. Understanding cost-utility analysis studies in the trauma and orthopaedic surgery literature. EFORT Open Rev 2021; 6:305-315. [PMID: 34150325 PMCID: PMC8183147 DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cost-utility analysis (CUA) studies are becoming increasingly important due to the need to reduce healthcare spending, especially in the field of trauma and orthopaedics. There is an increasing need for trauma and orthopaedic surgeons to understand these economic evaluations to ensure informed cost-effective decisions can be made to benefit the patient and funding body. This review discusses the fundamental principles required to understand CUA studies in the literature, including a discussion of the different methods employed to assess the health outcomes associated with different management options and the various approaches used to calculate the costs involved. Different types of model design may be used to conduct a CUA which can be broadly categorized into real-life clinical studies and computer-simulated modelling. We discuss the main types of study designs used within each category. We also cover the different types of sensitivity analysis used to quantify uncertainty in these studies and the commonly employed instruments used to assess the quality of CUAs. Finally, we discuss some of the important limitations of CUAs that need to be considered. This review outlines the main concepts required to understand the CUA literature and provides a basic framework for their future conduct.
Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:305-315. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200115
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Affiliation(s)
- Achi Kamaraj
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nikhil Agarwal
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Wasim Khan
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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18
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Webers C, Boonen A, Spaetgens B. Costs of disease: The perspective matters. Int J Rheum Dis 2021; 24:293-296. [PMID: 33523595 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Casper Webers
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies Boonen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Spaetgens
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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van der Meulen M, Zamanipoor Najafabadi AH, Lobatto DJ, van den Hout WB, Andela CD, Zandbergen IM, Pereira AM, van Furth WR, Vliet Vlieland TPM, Biermasz NR. Healthcare utilization and costs among prolactinoma patients: a cross-sectional study and analysis of determinants. Pituitary 2021; 24:79-95. [PMID: 33025546 PMCID: PMC7864816 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-020-01089-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Prolactinomas are the most prevalent functioning pituitary adenomas. They affect gonadal function as well as health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to report healthcare utilization and costs, including their determinants, for prolactinoma patients. METHODS Cross-sectional study of 116 adult prolactinoma patients in chronic care in a Dutch tertiary referral center. Patients completed four validated questionnaires, assessing healthcare utilization and costs over the previous 12 months (Medical Consumption Questionnaire), disease bother and needs (Leiden Bother and Needs Questionnaire Pituitary), HRQoL (Short Form-36), and self-reported health status (EuroQol 5D). Regression analyses were used to assess associations between disease-related characteristics and healthcare utilization and costs. RESULTS Mean age was 52.0 years (SD 13.7) and median follow-up was 15.0 years (IQR 7.6-26.1). Patients visited the endocrinologist (86.2%), general practitioner (37.9%), and ophthalmologist (25.0%) most frequently. Psychological care was used by 12.9% of patients and 5% were admitted to hospital. Mean annual healthcare costs were €1928 (SD 3319), mainly for pituitary-specific medication (37.6% of total costs), hospitalization (19.4%) and specialist care (16.1%). Determinants for higher healthcare utilization and costs were greater disease bother and needs for support, lower HRQoL, elevated prolactin, and longer disease duration, while tumor size, hypopituitarism and adrenal insufficiency were not significantly associated with healthcare utilization and costs. CONCLUSION Healthcare utilization and costs of prolactinoma patients are related to patient-reported HRQoL, bother by disease and needs for support. Therefore, addressing patients' HRQoL and needs is a way forward to improve efficiency of care and patients' health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel van der Meulen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Pituitary Center and Center for Endocrine Tumors, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Amir H Zamanipoor Najafabadi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Pituitary Center and Center for Endocrine Tumors, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- University Neurosurgical Centre Holland, Leiden University Medical Centre, Haaglanden Medical Centre and Haga Teaching Hospital, Leiden, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel J Lobatto
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Pituitary Center and Center for Endocrine Tumors, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- University Neurosurgical Centre Holland, Leiden University Medical Centre, Haaglanden Medical Centre and Haga Teaching Hospital, Leiden, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Wilbert B van den Hout
- Department of Medical Decision Making & Quality of Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelie D Andela
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Pituitary Center and Center for Endocrine Tumors, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid M Zandbergen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Pituitary Center and Center for Endocrine Tumors, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alberto M Pereira
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Pituitary Center and Center for Endocrine Tumors, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter R van Furth
- University Neurosurgical Centre Holland, Leiden University Medical Centre, Haaglanden Medical Centre and Haga Teaching Hospital, Leiden, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Thea P M Vliet Vlieland
- Department of Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke R Biermasz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Pituitary Center and Center for Endocrine Tumors, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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20
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Oosterhoff M, Over EAB, van Giessen A, Hoogenveen RT, Bosma H, van Schayck OCP, Joore MA. Lifetime cost-effectiveness and equity impacts of the Healthy Primary School of the Future initiative. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1887. [PMID: 33297992 PMCID: PMC7724829 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09744-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study estimated the lifetime cost-effectiveness and equity impacts associated with two lifestyle interventions in the Dutch primary school setting (targeting 4-12 year olds). METHODS The Healthy Primary School of the Future (HPSF; a healthy school lunch and structured physical activity) and the Physical Activity School (PAS; structured physical activity) were compared to the regular Dutch curriculum (N = 1676). An adolescence model, calculating weight development, and the RIVM Chronic Disease Model, calculating overweight-related chronic diseases, were linked to estimate the lifetime impact on chronic diseases, quality adjusted life years (QALYs), healthcare, and productivity costs. Cost-effectiveness was expressed as the additional costs/QALY gained and we used €20,000 as threshold. Scenario analyses accounted for alternative effect maintenance scenarios and equity analyses examined cost-effectiveness in different socioeconomic status (SES) groups. RESULTS HPSF resulted in a lifetime costs of €773 (societal perspective) and a lifetime QALY gain of 0.039 per child versus control schools. HPSF led to lower costs and more QALYs as compared to PAS. From a societal perspective, HPSF had a cost/QALY gained of €19,734 versus control schools, 50% probability of being cost-effective, and beneficial equity impact (0.02 QALYs gained/child for low versus high SES). The cost-effectiveness threshold was surpassed when intervention effects decayed over time. CONCLUSIONS HPSF may be a cost-effective and equitable strategy for combatting the lifetime burden of unhealthy lifestyles. The win-win situation will, however, only be realised if the intervention effect is sustained into adulthood for all SES groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT02800616 ). Registered 15 June 2016 - Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije Oosterhoff
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment (KEMTA), Maastricht University Medical Center MUMC+/ Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Eelco A B Over
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Anoukh van Giessen
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Rudolf T Hoogenveen
- Expertise Center for Methodology and Information Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Bosma
- Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Onno C P van Schayck
- Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Manuela A Joore
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment (KEMTA), Maastricht University Medical Center MUMC+/ Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 5800, 6202, AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Raepsaet C, Fourie A, Van Hecke A, Verhaeghe S, Beeckman D. Management of incontinence-associated dermatitis: A systematic review of monetary data. Int Wound J 2020; 18:79-94. [PMID: 33236846 PMCID: PMC7948709 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective was to systematically review monetary data related to management of incontinence‐associated dermatitis (IAD) in an adult population. Six electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library and EconLit. The search string combined index terms and text words related to IAD and monetary data. The quality of the articles was assessed using the consensus on Health Economic Criteria. Results were synthesised narratively because of methodological heterogeneity. Nine studies were included. Only direct medical costs were reported. The product cost per application for prevention ranged between $0.05 and $0.52, and for treatment between $0.20 and $0.35. The product cost per patient/day for prevention ranged between $0.23 and $20.17. The product cost of IAD prevention and treatment per patient/day ranged between $0.57 and $1.08. The cost to treat IAD did not consider the treatment of secondary infection. The calculation of labour cost and total cost differed considerably between studies. Summarising monetary data is a challenge because of heterogeneity in currencies, settings, samples, time horizons, health‐ and cost outcome valuation, IAD definition and measurements, and included costs. Procedures for health economic evaluations are to be clarified to guarantee valid interpretation and comparison with other studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Raepsaet
- Skin Integrity Research Group (SKINT), University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anika Fourie
- Skin Integrity Research Group (SKINT), University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Hecke
- Skin Integrity Research Group (SKINT), University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Verhaeghe
- Skin Integrity Research Group (SKINT), University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dimitri Beeckman
- Skin Integrity Research Group (SKINT), University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,School of Nursing & Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland.,Research Unit of Plastic Surgery, Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Vejle, Denmark.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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22
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De Angelis M, Giusino D, Nielsen K, Aboagye E, Christensen M, Innstrand ST, Mazzetti G, van den Heuvel M, Sijbom RB, Pelzer V, Chiesa R, Pietrantoni L. H-WORK Project: Multilevel Interventions to Promote Mental Health in SMEs and Public Workplaces. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8035. [PMID: 33142745 PMCID: PMC7662282 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The paper describes the study design, research questions and methods of a large, international intervention project aimed at improving employee mental health and well-being in SMEs and public organisations. The study is innovative in multiple ways. First, it goes beyond the current debate on whether individual- or organisational-level interventions are most effective in improving employee health and well-being and tests the cumulative effects of multilevel interventions, that is, interventions addressing individual, group, leader and organisational levels. Second, it tailors its interventions to address the aftermaths of the Covid-19 pandemic and develop suitable multilevel interventions for dealing with new ways of working. Third, it uses realist evaluation to explore and identify the working ingredients of and the conditions required for each level of intervention, and their outcomes. Finally, an economic evaluation will assess both the cost-effectiveness analysis and the affordability of the interventions from the employer perspective. The study integrates the training transfer and the organisational process evaluation literature to develop toolkits helping end-users to promote mental health and well-being in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco De Angelis
- Department of Psychology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (D.G.); (R.C.); (L.P.)
| | - Davide Giusino
- Department of Psychology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (D.G.); (R.C.); (L.P.)
| | - Karina Nielsen
- Institute of Work Psychology, Sheffield University Management School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 FL, UK;
| | - Emmanuel Aboagye
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Marit Christensen
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7941 Trondheim, Norway; (M.C.); (S.T.I.)
| | - Siw Tone Innstrand
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7941 Trondheim, Norway; (M.C.); (S.T.I.)
| | - Greta Mazzetti
- Department of Education Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Machteld van den Heuvel
- Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.v.d.H.); (R.B.L.S.); (V.P.)
| | - Roy B.L. Sijbom
- Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.v.d.H.); (R.B.L.S.); (V.P.)
| | - Vince Pelzer
- Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.v.d.H.); (R.B.L.S.); (V.P.)
| | - Rita Chiesa
- Department of Psychology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (D.G.); (R.C.); (L.P.)
| | - Luca Pietrantoni
- Department of Psychology, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (D.G.); (R.C.); (L.P.)
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23
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Sprave T, Zamboglou C, Verma V, Nicolay NH, Grosu AL, Lindenmeier J, Tscheulin DK. Characterization of health-related quality of life based on the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire in head-and-neck cancer patients undergoing modern radiotherapy. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2020; 20:673-682. [PMID: 32912005 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2020.1823220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Patient-reported quality of life in cancer patients is becoming increasingly important, especially for head-and-neck (H&N) cancers, which are at risk of experiencing severe treatment-related toxicities. Therefore, we sought to characterize the peritherapeutic HRQOL of contemporary patients using the well-validated EQ-5D-5 L questionnaire. Methods: All patients receiving radiotherapy for H&N cancers between July 2019 and November 2019 at the University of Freiburg Medical Center who completed the first two follow-ups were included. Results: All 49 patients completed the questionnaires at all time points of data collection, yielding 196 total questionnaires. The mean EQ-5D-5 L index score of the overall population before radiotherapy, after radiotherapy, and three and six months following radiotherapy was 0.837 (standard deviation, SD 0.17), 0.828 (SD 0.16), 0.855 (SD 0.15), and 0.856 (SD 0.14) respectively. The respective mean EQ VAS scores were 63.88 (SD 20.72), 63.67 (SD 21.81), 63.67 (SD 21.81), and 65.20 (SD 22.41) respectively. The respective changes of the HI and EQ VAS score over time for this cohort were not significant (Friedman test p = 0.273, p = 0.618). Conclusion: Despite the known therapy-related toxicities, no significant permanent deterioration of HRQOL in this cohort was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Sprave
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg - Medical Center , Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Health Care Management, Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg , Freiburg, Germany
| | - Constantinos Zamboglou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg - Medical Center , Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vivek Verma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nils H Nicolay
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg - Medical Center , Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anca-Ligia Grosu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Freiburg - Medical Center , Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jörg Lindenmeier
- Department of Business Administration VI, Public and Non-Profit Management - Corporate Governance and Ethics, University of Freiburg , Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dieter K Tscheulin
- Department of Health Care Management, Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg , Freiburg, Germany
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24
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Kim DD, Silver MC, Kunst N, Cohen JT, Ollendorf DA, Neumann PJ. Perspective and Costing in Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, 1974-2018. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2020; 38:1135-1145. [PMID: 32696192 PMCID: PMC7373843 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-020-00942-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our objective was to examine perspective and costing approaches used in cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) and the distribution of reported incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). METHODS We analyzed the Tufts Medical Center's CEA and Global Health CEA registries, containing 6907 cost-per-quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY) and 698 cost-per-disability-adjusted-life-year (DALY) studies published through 2018. We examined how often published CEAs included non-health consequences and their impact on ICERs. We also reviewed 45 country-specific guidelines to examine recommended analytic perspectives. RESULTS Study authors often mis-specified or did not clearly state the perspective used. After re-classification by registry reviewers, a healthcare sector or payer perspective was most prevalent (74%). CEAs rarely included unrelated medical costs and impacts on non-healthcare sectors. The most common non-health consequence included was productivity loss in the cost-per-QALY studies (12%) and patient transportation in the cost-per-DALY studies (21%). Of 19,946 cost-per-QALY ratios, the median ICER was $US26,000/QALY (interquartile range [IQR] 2900-110,000), and 18% were cost saving and QALY increasing. Of 5572 cost-per-DALY ratios, the median ICER was $US430/DALY (IQR 67-3400), and 8% were cost saving and DALY averting. Based on 16 cost-per-QALY studies (2017-2018) reporting 68 ICERs from both the healthcare sector and societal perspectives, the median ICER from a societal perspective ($US22,710/QALY [IQR 11,991-49,603]) was more favorable than from a healthcare sector perspective ($US30,402/QALY [IQR 10,486-77,179]). Most governmental guidelines (67%) recommended either a healthcare sector or a payer perspective. CONCLUSION Researchers should justify and be transparent about their choice of perspective and costing approaches. The use of the impact inventory and reporting of disaggregate outcomes can reduce inconsistencies and confusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D Kim
- Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St, Box 063, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Madison C Silver
- Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St, Box 063, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Natalia Kunst
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- LINK Medical Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Joshua T Cohen
- Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St, Box 063, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel A Ollendorf
- Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St, Box 063, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter J Neumann
- Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St, Box 063, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Mayer S, Fischer C, Zechmeister-Koss I, Ostermann H, Simon J. Are Unit Costs the Same? A Case Study Comparing Different Valuation Methods for Unit Cost Calculation of General Practitioner Consultations. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 23:1142-1148. [PMID: 32940231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To inform allocation decisions in any healthcare system, robust cost data are indispensable. Nevertheless, recommendations on the most appropriate valuation approaches vary or are nonexistent, and no internationally accepted gold standard exists. This costing analysis exercise aims to assess the impact and implications of different calculation methods and sources based on the unit cost of general practitioner (GP) consultations in Austria. METHODS Six costing methods for unit cost calculation were explored, following 3 Austrian methodological approaches (AT-1, AT-2, AT-3) and 3 approaches applied in 3 other European countries (Germany, The Netherlands, United Kingdom). Drawing on Austrian data, mean unit costs per GP consultation were calculated in euros for 2015. RESULTS Mean unit costs ranged from €15.6 to €42.6 based on the German top-down costing approach (DE) and the Austrian Physicians' Chamber's price recommendations (AT-3), respectively. The mean unit cost was estimated at €18.9 based on Austrian economic evaluations (AT-1) and €17.9 based on health insurance payment tariffs (AT-2). The Dutch top-down (NL) and the UK bottom-up approaches (UK) yielded higher estimates (NL: €25.3, UK: €29.8). Overall variation reached 173%. CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first to systematically investigate the impact of differing calculation methods on unit cost estimates. It shows large variations with potential impact on the conclusions in an economic evaluation. Although different methodological choices may be justified by the adopted study perspective, different costing approaches introduce variation in cross-study/cross-country cost estimates, leading to decreased confidence in data quality in economic evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Mayer
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Fischer
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Judit Simon
- Department of Health Economics, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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26
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Mori AT, Binyaruka P, Hangoma P, Robberstad B, Sandoy I. Patient and health system costs of managing pregnancy and birth-related complications in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2020; 10:26. [PMID: 32803373 PMCID: PMC7429732 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-020-00283-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morbidity and mortality due to pregnancy and childbearing are high in developing countries. This study aims to estimate patient and health system costs of managing pregnancy and birth-related complications in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify costing studies published and unpublished, from January 2000 to May 2019. The search was done in Pubmed, EMBASE, Cinahl, and Web of Science databases and grey literature. The study was registered in PROSPERO with registration No. CRD42019119316. All costs were converted to 2018 US dollars using relevant Consumer Price Indices. RESULTS Out of 1652 studies identified, 48 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The included studies were of moderate to high quality. Spontaneous vaginal delivery cost patients and health systems between USD 6-52 and USD 8-73, but cesarean section costs between USD 56-377 and USD 80-562, respectively. Patient and health system costs of abortion range between USD 11-66 and USD 40-298, while post-abortion care costs between USD 21-158 and USD 46-151, respectively. The patient and health system costs for managing a case of eclampsia range between USD 52-231 and USD 123-186, while for maternal hemorrhage they range between USD 65-196 and USD 30-127, respectively. Patient cost for caring low-birth weight babies ranges between USD 38-489 while the health system cost was estimated to be USD 514. CONCLUSION This is the first systematic review to compile comprehensive up-to-date patient and health system costs of managing pregnancy and birth-related complications in sub-Saharan Africa. It indicates that these costs are relatively high in this region and that patient costs were largely catastrophic relative to a 10 % of average national per capita income.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Thomas Mori
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, 5020, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Section for Ethics and Health Economics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health (CISMAC), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Peter Binyaruka
- Department of Health System, Impact Evaluation and Policy, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Peter Hangoma
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Bjarne Robberstad
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, 5020, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Section for Ethics and Health Economics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health (CISMAC), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingvild Sandoy
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, 5020, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health (CISMAC), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Perry-Duxbury M, Asaria M, Lomas J, van Baal P. Cured Today, Ill Tomorrow: A Method for Including Future Unrelated Medical Costs in Economic Evaluation in England and Wales. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 23:1027-1033. [PMID: 32828214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In many countries, future unrelated medical costs occurring during life-years gained are excluded from economic evaluation, and benefits of unrelated medical care are implicitly included, leading to life-extending interventions being disproportionately favored over quality of life-improving interventions. This article provides a standardized framework for the inclusion of future unrelated medical costs and demonstrates how this framework can be applied in England and Wales. METHODS Data sources are combined to construct estimates of per-capita National Health Service spending by age, sex, and time to death, and a framework is developed for adjusting these estimates for costs of related diseases. Using survival curves from 3 empirical examples illustrates how our estimates for unrelated National Health Service spending can be used to include unrelated medical costs in cost-effectiveness analysis and the impact depending on age, life-years gained, and baseline costs of the target group. RESULTS Our results show that including future unrelated medical costs is feasible and standardizable. Empirical examples show that this inclusion leads to an increase in the ICER of between 7% and 13%. CONCLUSIONS This article contributes to the methodology debate over unrelated costs and how to systematically include them in economic evaluation. Results show that it is both important and possible to include future unrelated medical costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg Perry-Duxbury
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Miqdad Asaria
- LSE Health, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Lomas
- Centre of Health Economics, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Pieter van Baal
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Cost-Effectiveness of Operative Versus Non-Operative Treatment for Clavicle Fracture: a Systematic Literature Review. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2020; 13:391-399. [PMID: 32383036 PMCID: PMC7340703 DOI: 10.1007/s12178-020-09640-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Operative and non-operative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures seems to yield comparative functional results. Furthermore, it has been suggested that surgery is more expensive compared with non-operative treatment of clavicle fracture. Cost-effectiveness seems to be more important in trends of treatment decisions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the cost-effectiveness of clavicle fracture treatment. RECENT FINDINGS Seven publications were selected, and 5 studies showed that operative treatment is more expensive than non-operative treatment. The mean overall cost per person in discounted prices was 10,230 USD for operative and 7923 USD for non-operative treatment. The mean absence from work ranged 8-193 and 24-69 days for operative and non-operative treatment, respectively. Studies varied in methods of assessing the cost-effectiveness of treatment modalities. Based on this literature review, routine operative treatment seems to be more expensive. In some cases, operative treatment might be more cost-effective. In all studies, direct and indirect costs of health care were calculated, but a great heterogeneity exists in the sources of cost data between countries. The cost-effectiveness of the treatment of clavicle fracture depends strongly on the cost of operative treatment and length of absence from work. Cost-effectiveness analysis could be a routine in RCT studies in the future.
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29
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D’Amico F, Feliu-Soler A, Montero-Marín J, Peñarrubía-María MT, Navarro-Gil M, Van Gordon W, García-Campayo J, Luciano JV. Cost-Utility of Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (ABCT) for Fibromyalgia Compared to Relaxation: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9030726. [PMID: 32156065 PMCID: PMC7141201 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9030726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent study has supported the efficacy of Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (ABCT) compared to relaxation (REL) for the management of fibromyalgia (FM). The main objective of this paper is to examine the cost-utility of ABCT compared to REL in terms of effects on quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as well as healthcare costs. Forty-two Spanish patients with FM received 8 weekly group sessions of ABCT or REL. Data collection took place at pre- and 3-month follow-up. Cost-utility of the two treatment groups (ABCT vs. REL) was compared by examining treatment outcomes in terms of QALYs (obtained with the EQ-5D-3L) and healthcare costs (data about service use obtained with the Client Service Receipt Inventory). Data analyses were computed from a completers, ITT, and per protocol approach. Data analysis from the healthcare perspective revealed that those patients receiving ABCT exhibited larger improvements in quality of life than those doing relaxation, while being less costly 3 months after their 8-week treatment program had ended (completers: incremental cost M, 95% CI = €−194.1 (−450.3 to 356.1); incremental effect M, 95% CI = 0.023 QALYs (0.010 to 0.141)). Results were similar using an ITT approach (incremental cost M, 95% CI = €−256.3 (−447.4 to −65.3); incremental effect M, 95% CI = 0.021 QALYs (0.009 to 0.033)). A similar pattern of results were obtained from the per protocol approach. This RCT has contributed to the evidence base of compassion-based interventions and provided useful information about the cost-utility of ABCT for FM patients when compared to relaxation. However, the small sample size and short follow-up period limited the generalizability of the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco D’Amico
- Personal Social Services Research Unit, London School of Economics and Political Science, London WC2A 2AE, UK;
| | - Albert Feliu-Soler
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain;
- Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08830 St. Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Jesús Montero-Marín
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK;
| | - María T. Peñarrubía-María
- PHC Bartomeu Fabrés Anglada, DAP Baix Llobregat Litoral, Unitat Docent Costa de Ponent, Institut Català de la Salut, 08850 Gavà, Spain;
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health, CIBERESP, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mayte Navarro-Gil
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - William Van Gordon
- Centre for Psychological Research, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK;
| | - Javier García-Campayo
- Miguel Servet Hospital, Aragon Institute of Health Sciences (I+CS), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Primary Care Prevention and Health Promotion Research Network, RedIAPP, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan V. Luciano
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain;
- Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08830 St. Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-93-640-6350 (Ext. 1-2540)
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30
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Turcu-Stiolica A, Subtirelu MS, Bumbea AM. Cost-Utility Analysis of Incobotulinumtoxin-A Compared With Conventional Therapy in the Management of Post-Stroke Spasticity in Romania. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1516. [PMID: 32009947 PMCID: PMC6976533 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: In Romania, the strokes' incidence is of 61,500 per year and improving upper limb function is the essence in rehabilitation after a stroke to maximize the patient quality of life and reduce disability. In this study, it is compared the cost-effectiveness of the treatment of post-stroke upper limb spasticity with incobotulinumtoxin-A (INCO), with or without electromyographic control, against the conventional therapy programme alone (CON). Methods: A Markov state transition model was developed to effectuate a cost-utility analysis (CUA). Measurements of health-related quality of life were derived from relevant clinical trials. Utility values for quality of life by response status were derived from the Short-Form-12 (SF-12) Health Survey data from a published study. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of INCO (fixed, every 12 weeks) against CON was calculated in Ron per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained for both therapies. Costs and outcomes were discounted using different scenarios at 3% and 5% per year with a time horizon of 3 and 5 years because Romanian legislative norms don't specify the discount rates and time horizon for pharmacoeconomic analysis. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were managed on the base case with distributions attributed to the frequency of repeat dosing and utility valuation of the responder and the non-responder for health utilities derived from both mental and physical health state. Results: Compared with CON, in all 4 scenarios, therapy with INCO had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of less than 950 Euro per QALY gained (1 Euro = 4.7 Ron). INCO proved to be more favorable treatment option than CON in the treatment of upper limb spasticity in Romania. Despite costs being higher for patients treated with INCO, this treatment has more advantageous Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio. Conclusions: This therapy should be taken into account when considering rehabilitation options because it is highly cost-effective at < EURO 1,000/QALY gained, a very low WTP (Willingness To Pay) threshold. INCO proved to be a disruptive innovation because it is a new and more effective treatment, and, in the end, much higher in quality of life for patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Bumbea
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
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van Dongen JM, El Alili M, Varga AN, Guevara Morel AE, Jornada Ben A, Khorrami M, van Tulder MW, Bosmans JE. What do national pharmacoeconomic guidelines recommend regarding the statistical analysis of trial-based economic evaluations? Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2019; 20:27-37. [PMID: 31731882 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2020.1694410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The statistical quality of many trial-based economic evaluations is poor. When conducting trial-based economic evaluations, researchers often turn to national pharmacoeconomic guidelines for guidance. Therefore, this study reviewed which recommendations are currently given by national pharmacoeconomic guidelines on the statistical analysis of trial-based economic evaluations.Areas covered: 40 national pharmacoeconomic guidelines were identified. Data were extracted on the guidelines' recommendations on how to deal with baseline imbalances, skewed costs, correlated costs and effects, clustering of data, longitudinal data, and missing data in trial-based economic evaluations. Four guidelines (10%) were found to include recommendations on how to deal with baseline imbalances, five (13%) on how to deal with skewed costs, and seven (18%) on how to deal with missing data. Recommendations were very general in nature and recommendations on dealing with correlated costs and effects, clustering of data, and longitudinal data were lacking.Expert opinion: Current national pharmacoeconomic guidelines provide little to no guidance on how to deal with the statistical challenges to trial-based economic evaluations. Since the use of suboptimal statistical methods may lead to biased results, and, therefore, possibly to a waste of scarce resources, national agencies are advised to include more statistical guidance in their pharmacoeconomic guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M van Dongen
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MOVE research institute Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mohamed El Alili
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anita N Varga
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alejandra E Guevara Morel
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Angela Jornada Ben
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mojdeh Khorrami
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MOVE research institute Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maurits W van Tulder
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MOVE research institute Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Medicine - Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Judith E Bosmans
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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da Silva Etges APB, Cruz LN, Notti RK, Neyeloff JL, Schlatter RP, Astigarraga CC, Falavigna M, Polanczyk CA. An 8-step framework for implementing time-driven activity-based costing in healthcare studies. THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS : HEPAC : HEALTH ECONOMICS IN PREVENTION AND CARE 2019; 20:1133-1145. [PMID: 31286291 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-019-01085-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Micro-costing studies still deserving for methods orientation that contribute to achieve a patient-specific resource use level of analysis. Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) is often employed by health organizations in micro-costing studies with that objective. However, the literature shows many deviations in the implementation of TDABC, which might compromise the accuracy of the results obtained. One reason for that can be attributed to the non-existence of a step-by-step orientation to conduct cost analytics with the TDABC specific for micro-costing studies in healthcare. This article aimed at exploring the literature and practical cases to propose an eight-step framework to apply TDABC in micro-costing studies for health care organizations. The 8-step TDABC framework is presented and detailed exploring online spreadsheets already coded to demonstrate data structure and math formula building. A list of analyses that can be performed is suggested, including an explanation about the information that each analysis can provide to increase the organization capability to orient decision making. The case study developed show that actual micro-costing of health care processes can be achieved with the 8-step TDABC framework and its use in future researches can contribute to increase the number of studies that achieve high-quality level in cost information, and consequently, in health resource evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Beck da Silva Etges
- National Health Technology Assessment Institute, CNPq, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- School of Technology, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Hospital de Cliń icas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Luciane Nascimento Cruz
- National Health Technology Assessment Institute, CNPq, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Jeruza Lavanholi Neyeloff
- National Health Technology Assessment Institute, CNPq, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Hospital de Cliń icas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rosane Paixão Schlatter
- National Health Technology Assessment Institute, CNPq, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Hospital de Cliń icas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Claudia Caceres Astigarraga
- Hospital de Cliń icas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Unit of Hematology, HCPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Carisi Anne Polanczyk
- National Health Technology Assessment Institute, CNPq, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Hospital de Cliń icas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- National Health Technology Assessment Institute, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, Building 21-507, Porto Alegre, 90035-903, Brazil.
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Lobatto DJ, van den Hout WB, Zamanipoor Najafabadi AH, Steffens ANV, Andela CD, Pereira AM, Peul WC, van Furth WR, Biermasz NR, Vliet Vlieland TPM. Healthcare utilization and costs among patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas. Endocrine 2019; 64:330-340. [PMID: 30903570 PMCID: PMC6531397 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-019-01847-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) have a substantial impact on patients' health status, yet research on the extent of healthcare utilization and costs among these patients is scarce. The objective was to determine healthcare usage, associated costs, and their determinants among patients treated for an NFPA. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, 167 patients treated for an NFPA completed four validated questionnaires. Annual healthcare utilization and associated costs were assessed through the medical consumption questionnaire (MTA iMCQ). In addition, the Leiden Bother and Needs Questionnaire for pituitary patients (LBNQ-Pituitary), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and EuroQol (EQ-5D) were administered. Furthermore, age, sex, endocrine status, treatment, and duration of follow-up were extracted from the medical records. Associations were analyzed using logistic/linear regression. RESULTS Annual healthcare utilization included: consultation of an endocrinologist (95% of patients), neurosurgeon (14%), and/or ophthalmologist (58%). Fourteen percent of patients had ≥1 hospitalization(s) and 11% ≥1 emergency room visit(s). Mean overall annual healthcare costs were € 3040 (SD 6498), highest expenditures included medication (31%), inpatient care (28%), and specialist care (17%). Factors associated with higher healthcare utilization and costs were greater self-perceived disease bother and need for support, worse mental and physical health status, younger age, and living alone. CONCLUSION Healthcare usage and costs among patients treated for an NFPA are substantial and were associated with self-perceived health status, disease bother, and healthcare needs rather than endocrine status, treatment, or duration of follow-up. These findings suggest that targeted interventions addressing disease bother and unmet needs in the chronic phase are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Lobatto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Wilbert B van den Hout
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Center for Endocrine Tumors, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Anath N V Steffens
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelie D Andela
- Medical Decision Making, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alberto M Pereira
- Medical Decision Making, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wilco C Peul
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center Haaglanden, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter R van Furth
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke R Biermasz
- Medical Decision Making, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thea P M Vliet Vlieland
- Department of Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation Medicine and Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Cochrane M, Watson PM, Timpson H, Haycox A, Collins B, Jones L, Martin A, Graves LEF. Systematic review of the methods used in economic evaluations of targeted physical activity and sedentary behaviour interventions. Soc Sci Med 2019; 232:156-167. [PMID: 31100696 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) on health systems worldwide is substantial. Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are major risk factors for NCD. Previous attempts to understand the value for money of preventative interventions targeting physically inactive individuals have proved to be challenging due to key methodological challenges associated with the conduct of economic evaluations in public health. A systematic review was carried out across six databases (Medline, SPORTSDiscus, EconLit, PsychINFO, NHS EED, HTA) along with supplementary searches. The review examines how economic evaluations published between 2009-March 2017 have addressed methodological challenges with the aim of bringing to light examples of good practice for future studies. Fifteen economic evaluations from four high-income countries were retrieved; there is a dearth of studies targeting sedentary behaviour as an independent risk factor from physical activity. Comparability of studies from the healthcare and societal perspectives were limited due to analysts' choice in cost categories, valuation technique and time horizon differing substantially. The scarcity of and inconsistencies across economic evaluations for these two behaviours have exposed a mismatch between calls for more preventative action to tackle NCD and the lack of information available on how resources may be optimally allocated in practice. Consequently, this paper offers a table of recommendations on how future studies can be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cochrane
- Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 5 Primrose Hill, Liverpool, L3 2EX, UK.
| | - P M Watson
- Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 5 Primrose Hill, Liverpool, L3 2EX, UK
| | - H Timpson
- Public Health Institute, Faculty of Health, Education and Community, Liverpool John Moores University, 3rd Floor, Exchange Station, Tithebarn Street, Liverpool, L2 2QP, UK
| | - A Haycox
- (c)Management School, University of Liverpool, Chatham Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZH, UK
| | - B Collins
- Department of Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool, Waterhouse Building, Block B, 2nd Floor Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - L Jones
- (c)Management School, University of Liverpool, Chatham Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZH, UK
| | - A Martin
- Department of Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool, Waterhouse Building, Block B, 2nd Floor Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK; HCD Economics, The Innovation Centre, Keckwick Lane, Daresbury, Warrington, WA4 4FS, UK
| | - L E F Graves
- Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 5 Primrose Hill, Liverpool, L3 2EX, UK
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de Vries LM, van Baal PHM, Brouwer WBF. Future Costs in Cost-Effectiveness Analyses: Past, Present, Future. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2019; 37:119-130. [PMID: 30474803 PMCID: PMC6386050 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-018-0749-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
There has been considerable debate on the extent to which future costs should be included in cost-effectiveness analyses of health technologies. In this article, we summarize the theoretical debates and empirical research in this area and highlight the conclusions that can be drawn for current practice. For future related and future unrelated medical costs, the literature suggests that inclusion is required to obtain optimal outcomes from available resources. This conclusion does not depend on the perspective adopted by the decision maker. Future non-medical costs are only relevant when adopting a societal perspective; these should be included if the benefits of non-medical consumption and production are also included in the evaluation. Whether this is the case currently remains unclear, given that benefits are typically quantified in quality-adjusted life-years and only limited research has been performed on the extent to which these (implicitly) capture benefits beyond health. Empirical research has shown that the impact of including future costs can be large, and that estimation of such costs is feasible. In practice, however, future unrelated medical costs and future unrelated non-medical consumption costs are typically excluded from economic evaluations. This is explicitly prescribed in some pharmacoeconomic guidelines. Further research is warranted on the development and improvement of methods for the estimation of future costs. Standardization of methods is needed to enhance the practical applicability of inclusion for the analyst and the comparability of the outcomes of different studies. For future non-medical costs, further research is also needed on the extent to which benefits related to this spending are captured in the measurement and valuation of health benefits, and how to broaden the scope of the evaluation if they are not sufficiently captured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M de Vries
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Pieter H M van Baal
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Werner B F Brouwer
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Franklin M, Thorn J. Self-reported and routinely collected electronic healthcare resource-use data for trial-based economic evaluations: the current state of play in England and considerations for the future. BMC Med Res Methodol 2019; 19:8. [PMID: 30626337 PMCID: PMC6325715 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-018-0649-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are generally regarded as the "gold standard" for providing quantifiable evidence around the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of new healthcare technologies. In order to perform the economic evaluations associated with RCTs, there is a need for accessible and good quality resource-use data; for the purpose of discussion here, data that best reflect the care received. Traditionally, researchers have developed questionnaires for resource-use data collection. However, the evolution of routinely collected electronic data within care services provides new opportunities for collecting data without burdening patients or caregivers (e.g. clinicians). This paper describes the potential strengths and limitations of each data collection method and then discusses aspects for consideration before choosing which method to use. MAIN TEXT We describe electronic data sources (large observational datasets, commissioning data, and raw data extraction) that may be suitable data sources for informing clinical trials and the current status of self-reported instruments for measuring resource-use. We assess the methodological risks and benefits, and compare the two methodologies. We focus on healthcare resource-use; however, many of the considerations have relevance to clinical questions. Patient self-report forms a pragmatic and cheap method that is largely under the control of the researcher. However, there are known issues with the validity of the data collected, loss to follow-up may be high, and questionnaires suffer from missing data. Routinely collected electronic data may be more accurate and more practical if large numbers of patients are involved. However, datasets often incur a cost and researchers are bound by the time for data approval and extraction by the data holders. CONCLUSIONS Owing to the issues associated with electronic datasets, self-reported methods may currently be the preferred option. However, electronic hospital data are relatively more accessible, informative, standardised, and reliable. Therefore in trials where secondary care constitutes a major driver of patient care, detailed electronic data may be considered superior to self-reported methods; with the caveat of requiring data sharing agreements with third party providers and potentially time-consuming extraction periods. Self-reported methods will still be required when a 'societal' perspective (e.g. quantifying informal care) is desirable for the intended analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Franklin
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield West Court, 1 Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 4DT UK
| | - Joanna Thorn
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
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Clustering a large Spanish sample of patients with fibromyalgia using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire–Revised: differences in clinical outcomes, economic costs, inflammatory markers, and gray matter volumes. Pain 2018; 160:908-921. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lobatto DJ, Steffens ANV, Zamanipoor Najafabadi AH, Andela CD, Pereira AM, van den Hout WB, Peul WC, Vliet Vlieland TPM, Biermasz NR, van Furth WR. Work disability and its determinants in patients with pituitary tumor-related disease. Pituitary 2018; 21:593-604. [PMID: 30288666 PMCID: PMC6244796 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-018-0913-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pituitary tumors may have a considerable impact on patients' functional status, including paid employment, yet research in this area is sparse. OBJECTIVE To describe work disability and its determinants in patients treated for a pituitary tumor. METHODS Cross-sectional study including patients treated for a pituitary tumor in the working age (18-65 years), who completed five validated questionnaires assessing work disability [Short Form-Health and Labour Questionnaire, Work Role Functioning Questionnaire 2.0 (WRFQ)], health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and utility (Short Form-36, EuroQoL) and disease burden (Leiden Bother and Needs Questionnaire-Pituitary). Additional data were extracted from the medical records (age, gender, tumor type, treatment, date of diagnosis) and self-reports (marital status, education, endocrine status). Associations of disease-specific and sociodemographic characteristics, HRQoL, and disease burden with (not) having a paid job were examined through multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS We included 241 patients (61% female, median age 53 years, median time since diagnosis 11 years), of whom 68 (28%) were without a paid job. Patients who had acromegaly, Cushing's disease, (pan)hypopituitarism, radiotherapy, were single, less educated, lower HRQoL, and increased disease burden were more often without a paid job (p < 0.05). Among those with paid jobs, 41% reported health-related absenteeism in the previous year. The three work incapacitating problems reported by the largest proportion of patients were within the mental and social domain (WRFQ). CONCLUSION Work disability among patients treated for a pituitary tumor is substantial. As impact on social functioning is high, it is strongly advised to incorporate work disability during clinical guidance of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Lobatto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Anath N V Steffens
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cornelie D Andela
- Division of Endocrinology and Center for Endocrine Tumors, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alberto M Pereira
- Division of Endocrinology and Center for Endocrine Tumors, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wilbert B van den Hout
- Medical Decision Making, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wilco C Peul
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | - Nienke R Biermasz
- Division of Endocrinology and Center for Endocrine Tumors, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter R van Furth
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
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